US House Hearing on Lawmakers’ Priorities Set for May 1

Concerns related to freight and commuter connectivity, pipelines and air travel will be among the themes the transportation panel of the U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to address May 1.

Known as “Members’ Day,” the panel’s leaders will dedicate time to allow the more than five dozen lawmakers on the committee to outline infrastructure matters in their districts. The membership represents rural regions, as well as cities, such as New York, home to Rep. Adriano Espaillat (D).

This year, Espaillat told Transport Topics enhancing the public transit network in his district, which includes Manhattan, as well as securing funding for the “Gateway” tunnel project along the Hudson River are among his priorities.

“If you need a particular project because it’s good for the region and good for the country, we should support it,” Espaillat said.

The themes addressed at the hearing will assist with the crafting of a comprehensive infrastructure measure and the reauthorization of federal programs. Other subjects within the panel’s jurisdiction include inland waterways, coastal zone management and roadway safety.

Of note, the hearing will mark the panel’s return to the Rayburn House Office Building. The hearing room was being renovated.